What to Do After a Golf Cart Accident

The game of golf can be a fun outdoor hobby or an unfortunately frustrating stressor for less gifted players. 
 
Golf carts are a useful way to maneuver around a course. These small vehicles can also be used in other contexts for traveling short distances.
 
Even though most golf carts cannot exceed twenty miles per hour, they still have the potential to cause serious injuries. Despite their convenience, golf carts can be dangerous.
 
Unlike other types of passenger vehicles, golf carts do not provide a lot of safety features. This can lead to accidents and injuries.
 
Many victims are unsure about what they should do after a golf cart crash. Below, we will discuss some of the most important steps to take if you have been injured in an accident involving a golf cart.
 
Following an accident or injury, it is crucial to consult with a legal professional. The accomplished attorneys at Morgan & Morgan will help you know what to do after a golf cart accident.
 
Fill out the easy-to-use contact form on the Morgan & Morgan website. We will happily schedule a no-cost consultation to discuss the facts of your case. 

Golf Cart Accident and Injury Statistics 

Because they are primarily used for recreation, many people fail to consider how dangerous golf carts can be. As with any vehicle, negligent drivers can cause enormous amounts of damage with a golf cart.
 
According to research in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, there were more than 147,000 golf cart injuries reported in the United States across a fifteen-year period. All these cases required the victim to seek emergency room care.
 
In many cases, golf cart crash victims are unaware of their legal rights and options. If someone’s negligence has caused you to become injured, you have the right to seek financial compensation for the losses associated with your accident.
 
Before discussing what to do after a golf cart collision, we will explore some of the most common contexts for golf cart collisions and injuries that can happen as a result. 

Typical Causes of Golf Cart Accidents 

Most people think of golf carts as completely harmless. In some cases, this can be a dangerous misconception.
 
Golf carts are lighter than street-legal passenger vehicles. Still, they are heavy enough to cause serious injuries.
 
Drivers of golf carts engage in many of the same maneuvers that motorists in passenger vehicles do. When this happens, collisions become very likely.
 
Some of the most common causes of golf cart collisions include:

• Mechanical defects in the cart
• Improperly loaded cargo
• Overloaded golf carts
• Recklessly sharp turns
• Distracted driving, including phone calls and texting
• Reckless maneuvers
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

These are only a few examples of potential causes of golf cart accidents. Any type of negligent or careless behavior can result in dangerous mishaps.
 
If you are injured, you may not know what to do after a golf cart accident. One of the most important steps to take following an accident or injury is to speak with a knowledgeable attorney. 

Common Injuries From Golf Cart Collisions 

Every collision involves a unique set of factors. Still, some types of injuries are more likely than others following a golf cart accident.
 
Some drivers believe that golf carts cannot cause serious injuries. Typically, they hold this belief because golf carts are low-powered and cannot travel as fast as cars.
 
Golf carts have an open-air design with roofs that provide very little protection. When accidents happen, injuries are very likely.
 
Some typical injuries that result from golf cart accidents include: 

• Lacerations, gashes, and cuts
• Knee injuries
• Back and spine injuries
• Shoulder and neck damage
• Fractures and broken bones
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries

No matter what type of injury or damage you have sustained, contact an attorney as soon as possible. 

Golf Carts on Public Streets 

In some states, golf cart drivers are legally permitted to drive on public streets. In areas in which this is allowed, carts may only be allowed on roads within a certain range of local golf courses.
 
Common regulations for driving carts on public streets may include:

• The cart cannot go above 30 miles per hour
• The cart may not carry more than five passengers
• Weight regulations

There are many contexts, aside from golf courses, in which these carts may be useful for traveling. Some of these include:

• Retirement communities
• Tourist and vacation areas
• Getaways and resorts
• Other recreation areas

Traffic laws regarding golf carts are determined at the state and local levels.  

When golf carts are driven on public roadways, they are typically subject to the same traffic laws as other vehicles. Driving a golf cart on a public street increases the risk of serious crashes and severe injuries.
 
When a golf cart collides with a car or truck, those in the cart face a high possibility of injuries. 

What to Do After a Golf Cart Accident 

In the aftermath of any type of accident, people who are involved are usually shaken and unsure of what actions to take. This is especially true if you were in a golf cart at the time. 
 
It is important to take appropriate steps following any kind of vehicular accident. Consider these essential tips when you want to know what to do after a golf cart accident:

Contact the Authorities

It is crucial to contact the authorities following a golf cart crash. Typically, calling the authorities will ensure that a police officer and any necessary medical providers arrive quickly.
 
The police will write a report detailing the circumstances of the collision. This police report may be important if you decide to pursue compensation for the damages that you sustain.

Ensure the Safety of Those Involved

The health and safety of everyone involved in the crash is the highest priority immediately after the incident. Make sure that everyone is alright. 
 
If anyone has sustained an injury, call for medical assistance as soon as possible. Do not attempt to move anyone who is severely injured.

Gather Witness Accounts

After you have contacted the authorities and secured necessary medical assistance, look for anyone who witnessed the accident.
 
Collect brief descriptions of the accident from witnesses, as well as their names and basic contact information. If you decide to pursue legal action, witness testimony may be very useful for securing the maximum compensation possible.

Document the Scene of the Accident

While you are waiting for the authorities to arrive, document the scene of the collision. Take photos with your smartphone.
 
It can be helpful to take photos of the following elements of the scene:

• Property damage
• Any resulting injuries
• Street signs and intersections
• Street or roadway obstructions or hazards

These are only a few examples. Make sure to document anything that seems relevant to the accident.

Take Notes About Your Experience

In addition to photographic evidence, it is crucial to write down your own account of the crash. Over time, memories fade and become unreliable. That is why you should take extensive notes following the collision. Make sure to include the time, date, and location of the golf cart accident.
 
Also, write down your own account of the factors that led to the accident. Was another driver speeding? Did the driver of the golf cart maneuver recklessly? 
 
Write the answers to these questions as soon as possible after the golf cart accident.

Speak With an Attorney

It is vital to speak with an accomplished personal injury lawyer after a golf cart collision. Most people do not have a detailed understanding of their own legal rights. 
 
A skilled attorney will thoroughly examine the circumstances of your golf cart mishap. To secure financial recovery, claimants must prove that the liable party’s negligence led to their accident or injuries.
 
Contacting an accomplished personal injury lawyer will ensure that you have the best chance possible of securing the money that you are owed. 
 
If you are unsure about what to do after a golf car accident, you are not alone. When you have been injured, follow the previous steps, and speak with an attorney as soon as possible.